LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces High School Wrestling Tournament offers something rare: A top-rate competition early in the season.

Most local wrestling teams haven't taken the mats frequently at this point of the 2012-13 season. Las Cruces High has participated in just one tournament, while Mayfield, Oñate and Centennial have each wrestled in two events thus far.

In that respect, this weekend's tournament is an opening litmus test for many of the teams that will compete, now with a full complement of wrestlers at their more appropriate weight classes as the calendar hits mid-December.

"It's a good indicator on how our season can go. It prepares our kids for some really good competition," said Mayfield head coach Jimmy Nevarez. "We can at least start forcasting where we will put everyone for the rest of year."

Thirty-three programs will participate this weekend, with all four local-city programs involved.

State powerhouses Cleveland and Volcano Vista will be present. Mayfield was a top-five program last year, while Las Cruces High was ranked No. 6.

On the Class 3A level, Silver has historically been solid while Cobre High School is also rich in wrestling tradition in Class 2A.

Franklin High School could be the premier team in this year's event while other El Paso programs Eastwood and Coronado should be able to pack a punch.

"This tournament is meant to get us ready for state," said LCHS head coach Kevin Marks. "It's about long-term goals and building off what we do.

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In terms of District 3-5A, things expect to be competitive once again in 2012 and, once again, this tournament can provide a baseline test on where things stand. Mayfield and Las Cruces High each lost solid competitors from a year ago although figure to have talent once again. Carlsbad High School could very well be the front-runners heading into the season.

"I think they'll be in the mix," Nevarez said, before adding, "I don't know who will end up with the (district) title though."

Centennial is looking to find its footing as a first-year wrestling program under head coach Joel Hernandez.

"We're so young. We're really a JV team," Hernandez said. "We definitely have to step it up to the varsity level. Our goal for each one of our kids is to win at least one match and just get takedowns. New goals each week so, when the state tournament comes, we should be ready to go and make a run at it."

With that, Hernandez said playing top competition is a good thing for his program.
"It's a chance to get some mat sense and understand where the competition is," he said. "Throwing the sheep to the wolves. That's the only way you learn in wrestling."

Teddy Feinberg can be reached at (575) 541-5455. Follow him on Twitter @TeddyFeinberg

If you go

What: Las Cruces High Wrestling Tournament

Who: Thirty-three wrestling teams will participate, including all four local-city programs, teams from throughout the state, and participants from El Paso.

Where: Las Cruces High School

When: Friday's weigh-ins will be at 11 a.m. with teams taking the mats around noon (the action should wrap up around 9 p.m.). Saturday's competition will pick up again around 10 a.m.